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Friendswood zoning board grants variance for 1308 Thomas Drive, allowing 8-inch encroachment
Summary
After testimony from the contractor and neighbors and a staff report, the Friendswood City Zoning Board of Adjustments approved a variance allowing a structure at 1308 Thomas Drive to encroach roughly 8 inches into a platted 40-foot front-yard setback.
The Friendswood City Zoning Board of Adjustments voted Nov. 18 to grant a variance permitting a structure at 1308 Thomas Drive to encroach about eight inches into a recorded 40-foot platted front-yard setback in the Longwood Park subdivision.
City staff member Brian told the board a building permit had been issued for a garage extension and that the contractor later self-reported the structure exceeded the platted building line. Brian said the city had not completed a cover inspection and had not formally ordered work to stop; he advised the project remained on hold pending a compliant form survey.
Property owner and contractor Ken Saldanian told the board he and his wife operate a construction business and accepted responsibility for the error. He told the board the foundation and framing progressed rapidly and that correcting the mistake would require tearing down the addition and slab. "I do not make excuses and I accept a 100% responsibility," Saldanian said, and asked the board to grant a variance rather than require demolition.
Two neighbors spoke in favor of the request. One said the applicant maintains his property and asked the board to approve the variance. Neighbor Clint described the block as a family street used by children and argued that demolishing the recently built addition and bringing heavy equipment back onto the street would disrupt neighborhood life and safety.
During deliberations, board members asked staff to confirm the relevant setback standards. Staff said the city's zoning ordinance standard is 25 feet but that recorded plats can impose a stricter 40-foot requirement for specific subdivisions; the Longwood Park recorded plat imposes the 40-foot platted setback at issue. The variance sought was to allow an approximately 8-inch encroachment from the recorded plat requirement into that front-yard setback.
A board member moved "to grant this variance as requested." The motion was seconded, board members voted in favor by voice vote, and the presiding officer announced the motion passed and the variance was granted.
The applicant indicated photographs and drone images submitted with the packet were meant to show the addition was not intrusive. The board did not specify additional conditions on the variance at the time of the vote. The hearing record and the board's written action will be made available by the city secretary as required under the Public Information Act.
